Journalism
Program Description
Journalism is a unique form of communication that uses storytelling to present the news. Journalists are storytellers and historians who help people make sense of events happening in the world around them. The journalism program at MSJC offers many opportunities for engagement, learning, and storytelling. The Talon, MSJC’s student newspaper, is an important part of the program and provides students with practical journalistic experience while helping them become more involved at MSJC and in the community. Students learn effective writing and reporting, interviewing techniques, and storytelling in print and digital formats. Career pathways connected to journalism include reporter, editor, copywriter, film critic, foreign correspondent, multimedia story producer, magazine editor, news anchor, publicist, sportswriter, public relations practitioner, social media editor, and technical writer.
Transfer Preparation
Transfer students are advised to do research on prospective majors and careers. The MSJC Transfer Center and MSJC catalog can be helpful tools. Students interested in transferring to CSU or UC campuses can access major preparation by visiting ASSIST. All students are advised to meet with a counselor at least once a semester to create or update their comprehensive education plan.
Contact Information
San Jacinto/Menifee Campus
(951) 487-MSJC (6752)/ (951) 672-6752
Dr. Michelle Weber
mweber@msjc.edu
- Demonstrate news judgment that identifies and develops story ideas through observation, reading, and attention to global and local events.
- Methodically find information through the Internet, public documents, and personal interviews. Assess, analyze, and interpret the quality of information gathered for news stories.
- Create concise, clear, and accurate writing that engages the audience with engaging storytelling. Then, critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style, and grammatical correctness.
- Develop cultural competence by understanding how different cultures influence perspectives, attitudes, and personal interaction with the world. Discover and utilize ethical standards and constitutional laws that guide journalism excellence.
- Utilize media literacy to navigate through a rapidly changing media world, understanding media’s influence on society, community and the democratic process, and also integrate the power of image in shaping society’s understanding of the world.
Discover in-demand careers and education options based on your interests! See the list of careers below or explore further by searching for Careers or Programs.
Note: There are no guaranteed positions for students completing these programs. Education and work experience required will vary by employer. The salary and benefits for specific occupations will be dependent on work experience, education, background, and employer. Labor market statistics are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Census Bureau, O-NET, EMSI.
| Career/Industries | CA Annual Median Salary or Range | Employment Demand or Opening CA |
|---|---|---|
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists (SM, B) | $76,824 | 785 |
| Editors (B, M) | $84,424 | 1,668 |
| Writers and Authors (SM, A, B) | $62,102 | 2,711 |
| Public Relations Managers (SM, B, M) | $155,687 | 758 |
(degree required: SM some college, C: Certificate, A: Associate degree, B: Bachelor’s degree, M: Master’s degree, D: Doctorate)